The term ‘millennial’ is overused and bandied about by everyone who wants a piece of the action. But how do you know if you are actually one? Deny it. It’s not a new concept; youth will always exist and they will make you feel inferior and supremely uncool when trying to speak their vernacular. But maybe you shouldn’t try so hard. Skinny jeans—the things from the Eighties you said you’d never wear again, but almost considered buying last week—have been and fled. And now the Nineties are back with a vengeance. Trend is not isolated solely to fashion: direct mail for young adults is back.

If you want creative direct mail that caters to a younger audience then you have to look at how they consume media. While they spend more time online than on all other media combined, they are 32 per cent more likely to agree that they “trust mail more than information they find on the internet.” That’s telling … and an opportunity. Remember the mail millennials have received predominantly up to now is birthday cards, sometimes filled with cash. So now the mail suddenly isn’t so fun.

Nostalgia rates with millennials as it’s one way they can identify with a brand and each other. Music, fashion and childhood foods are great unifiers because they all remind them of a simpler time. One in which they are able to be themselves without scrutiny and having to pose and curate their lives according to what society dictates, nor the responsibility that comes with paying bills. In fact, according to the Royal Mail MarketReach’s new report, The Life Stages of Mail, it reveals that digitally native young people live at home with Mum and Dad. And that’s something to remember when you appeal to them.

Instagram is an illusion

While they’re living the high life online, they’re likely brooding in bedrooms to get that perfect Instagram filter and dodging their families with Lana del Rey and Banks blaring in the background. But it’s when they’re at home they’re their most vulnerable and unguarded and according to the report,18 per cent more likely than the general population to welcome direct mail and 32 per cent more likely to find it memorable. Herein lies the potential for creative direct mail.

Millennials listen to those they trust

If you’re stumped for direct mail ideas or figuring out how best to approach the direct mail design process, take a look at your target’s content and those they follow to truly understand what will resonate. Fashion, music, dining and food trends are the big ones, but don’t forget YouTubers and other online personalities. Millennials want recommendations from those they trust and seek and value their opinions. Become one of those trusted parties and you will see a huge uplift in your campaigns.

Understand their visual language

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of milllenials, or ‘fledglings’ according to the Royal Mail have bought or ordered something as a result of receiving direct mail in the last 12 months and one in three has kept a piece of direct mail for future reference. The latter should govern your direct mail packaging design; it needs to be impactful for their to open it and something they want to keep. Search for direct mail design inspiration in places millennials frequent. Look at the menu in cafés, business cards of places they shop and the typography of websites they browse. These things matter to millennials.

Link it to technology

Likewise technology, make sure that it appeals to their online presence and sense of style. Make things look Instagram-worthy so that they share it through their social media channels. Give them an easy opportunity to find out more information and to purchase online, because according to the report, 92 per cent more likely to have used a mobile phone or tablet to respond to mail. Scan the mailer, give them a pURL and make them feel like you’re speaking to them solely.